Marnisi estate in Marsaxlokk. 8.1 hectares of land under vine. Shallow terrarossa soil. Vertical trellis system with guyot training for Cabernet, Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot and replacement cane pruning for Cabernet Franc. Controlled drip irrigation 6,250 vines per hectare.
45,344 kg of grapes harvested.
Yield: 39.2 hectolitres per hectare.
Merlot hand harvested on 30/08/2004.
Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Petit Verdot hand harvested from 06/09/2004 till 09/09/2004.
The 2004 vintage was characterised by average winter climatic conditions and a particularly cool summer, with the average temperature for July being as much as 3°C lower than the average for the month. This led to a prolonged maturity, giving particularly well structured, balanced wines.
Destemming, 16 days maceration, temperature controlled fermentation. Minimum of 12 months maturation in new french oak barrels
Confit of rabbit accompanied with a thyme and juniper berry sauce on a bed of fresh polenta.
Appearance
Moderate intensity with a medium ruby core with a light ruby wide rim and long legs.
Nose
Concentrated developing aromas of intense black fruit characteristics: bramble fruit, black cherries and blackberries, cedar wood and smoke.
Palate
The wine has medium levels of acidity with silky ripe tannins. It is a full bodied wine with pronounced fruitiness of a black fruit nature underlined by oak, ginger and toast flavours.
Conclusion
This wine is already approachable but can definitely benefit from further bottle ageing of 6-7years.